(a) A responsible authority may use a design-build method of project development and construction for light rail transit. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a responsible authority may award a design-build contract on the basis of requests for proposals or requests for qualifications without bids. “Design-build method of project development and construction” means a project delivery system in which a single contractor is responsible for both the design and construction of the project and bids the design and construction together.

(b) If a responsible authority utilizes a design-build method of project development and construction for light rail transit, the requirements and procedures in sections 161.3410 to 161.3426 apply to the procurement, subject to the following conditions and exceptions:

(1) if the Metropolitan Council is the responsible authority for a particular light rail transit project, when used in sections 161.3410 to 161.3426, (i) the terms “commissioner,” “Minnesota Department of Transportation,” “department,” “state agencies,” and “road authority” refer to the Metropolitan Council, and (ii) the term “state” refers to the Metropolitan Council except in references to state law or in references to the state as a geographical location;

(2) the provisions of section 161.3412, subdivisions 3 and 4, are not applicable to the procurement; and

(3) if any federal funds are used in developing or constructing the light rail transit project, any provisions in sections 161.3410 to 161.3426 that are inconsistent with, or prohibited by, any federal law, regulation, or other requirement are not applicable to the procurement.